Hogan to succeed Calo as Dickinson Chorus conductor

IRON MOUNTAIN - After serving 20 years as principal conductor of the Dickinson County Community Chorus (DCCC), John Calo of Kingsford is retiring.

He will continue to serve as an assistant conductor and chorus member.

"It has been a privilege and a joy to direct the Dickinson County Community Chorus for the last 20 years," said Calo. "The excellence and dedication of chorus members, many of whom have sung as long as I have been directing, has allowed us to provide music of the highest standard for the many area residents who attend our concerts."

Over the past 46 years, the DCCC has had three principal conductors.

The DCCC was founded in 1967 by Dan Croci, who directed the group until his death in 1981. Margaret "Magee" Johnson then directed the group from 1981 until her retirement in 1993. Calo has been directing the group since then.

Crystal Hogan, who has been the associate conductor of the chorus for several years, will now take over as principal conductor.

Hogan is also the choral music teacher at Breitung Township Schools.

Gail Vornkahl, who has served as the assistant conductor for the past few seasons, will now be the associate conductor. Vornkahl is also the choral music teacher at Iron Mountain Schools and the owner of Voice Works, where she gives voice lessons.

Each year, the DCCC presents three major performances: a Holy Week Lenten concert on the Tuesday of Holy Week, the "Music Under the Stars" outdoor concert in July, and the "Sounds of Christmas" concert on the Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving.